Public Works News Briefs

The latest news from the industry and beyond

In Climate Change and Water Resources: A Primer for Municipal Water Providers, the American Water Works Research Foundation (AwwaRF) states that global warming is already affecting water supplies. Among its predictions:

Precipitation will be less frequent but more intense, leading to flooding

Rising temperatures will increase periods of drought

Changes in snowpack, melt season, and runoff will aggravate deficiencies in storage capacity, possibly forcing utilities to invest in more storage. For more information or to review the report, visit www.awwarf.org.

Transportation vs. environment

Urban Transport and the Environment in the 21st Century details various researchers' findings pertaining to how projects affect the environment. Topics include traffic control, infrastructure and maintenance, sustainability, pollution, fuels, and others. The volume is for engineers, city planners, and others involved in urban transportation systems. To purchase a copy, visit www.witpressusa.com.

Bridge morphs from Hondas to humans

Pittsburgh proves that infrastructure bridges the gap between investment and return.

In October, Pittsburgh's Urban Redevelopment Authority opened up its Hot Metal Pedestrian Bridge, part of a $10.5 million redevelopment project designed to attract more retail, office, and entertainment dollars.

In decades past, the structure was a railroad bridge that carried materials to the former J&L Steel mill, situated on both sides of the Monogahela River. In its latest reincarnation, the bridge will carry pedestrian and bicycle traffic between a new office/retail complex and the city's South Side.

Cinncinati aims high

While most cities are looking to boost their diversion rates, Cincinnati's going for broke.

With the Green Cincinnati Recycling Plan—pushed by mayor Mark Mallory and other city officials—the city aims to increase recycling rates by 50% in just four years.

“Cincinnati does a good job of recycling, but we can do better,” says Mark Mallory. “Recycling is essential, and we need to make it a part of our everyday lives.” The city diverts 9% of its solid waste. By boosting that number to 15%, it'll get a larger rebate from the Hamilton County Solid Waste District that it can use to defray the incremental costs of expanding the recycling program.

The city has opened new drop-off facilities downtown to provide recycling access to businesses and residents that don't have curbside recycling.

Bins and volunteers will also be positioned at Bengals football games to encourage tailgaters to recycle their party detritus.